For a durable peace in the region, India and Pakistan have to find a way to get together. This requires statesmanship on both sides. And this will only be possible if there’s willingness on the part of the neighbours to resolve their issues.
It will be a while before the the US-Taliban and the Taliban-Afghan government reaches its logical conclusion and peace returns to the country. Eventually the stability in Afghanistan will have to be the responsibility of the regional powers.
It remains to be seen how the situation plays out in the state as the elections are held. But it will be a gripping, tough contest. And its outcome will leave a far-reaching impact on the course of politics across the country.
It is unlikely that there will be a dialogue between India and Pakistan in near to medium term. Instead, there are more chances that the relations between the two will worsen going forward. The reason for this is the ongoing situation in Kashmir.
The excessive focus on Gulmarg is drawing tourists away from other equally scenic places, some of them like Aharbal, Yusmarg, Tosamaidan, Gurez, historic old city in Srinagar have only recently found a prominent place on the tourist map of Kashmir. These places need development of tourist infrastructure and also a wider publicity for people to visit.
New Delhi has been delaying the restoration of statehood to J&K. Truth is that Kashmir has come a long way since withdrawal of its autonomous status and the situation has held largely peaceful. This should have qualified J&K for the grant of statehood.
The ongoing dis-engagement in Pangong Tso is a positive development and allows for dialogue to take place. A lot will depend on China’s behaviour in the near future. We can only hope that the communist country sticks to the path of dialogue.
The one thing where New Delhi is chary of the new US administration is on human rights. The Biden administration has made it clear that it will not let go of human rights in its foreign policy pursuits.
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